Officials nix light show on roof of Astrodome during Super Bowl

Published 2:15 pm, Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 12 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

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The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 16 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 17 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 18 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 19 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 20 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 21 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 23 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 24 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 25 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 26 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 28 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 29 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Image 30 of 30

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

The Harris County Commissioner's court will vote on a $105 million plan to turn the Astrodome into a parking garage. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Houston. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle

Officials nix light show on roof of Astrodome during Super Bowl

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Organizers have nixed a proposal to use high-tech lasers to project dazzling images of Houston's culture and history onto and through the roof of the Astrodome during Super Bowl LI.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said the NFL turned down the proposal -- the brainchild of two recent Rice University graduates -- over security concerns of having people enter and exit the dome around game time.

"We made all the intros and this, that and the other, but it wasn't a great surprise," Emmett said. "The NFL once they locked down that whole campus out there, they just don't want people coming in and out."

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The move raises a question of how the Astrodome will be used during the sporting event, which is expected to draw 150,000 visitors from around the world to watch the game at neighboring NRG Stadium on Feb. 5 and attend other events across the city.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league had looked into the light show idea "but are now considering lighting the outside of the building for the entire week and on Super Bowl Sunday."

"We have not finalized plans, but this remains under consideration," McCarthy said.

Emmett said officials were briefly considering holding a reception in the dome during Super Bowl festivities, but that's not happening now, either. He said the Dome will mostly be used for storage and staging purposes during the sporting event.

A Super Bowl host committee spokeswoman said "there will be no official events at the Astrodome" during Super Bowl weekend, and said she had no information about how the Astrodome might be used during Super Bowl weekend or why the light show was nixed.

The discussion comes as a $105 million plan to raise the ground level two floors to fit in roughly 1,400 parking spaces, is underway. The plan would make the Dome suitable for festivals or conferences and usher in potential commercial uses in the more than 550,000 square feet that surrounds the core.

The county spent $10.5 million then for the engineering. After that's completed, commissioners will likely vote on the full plan in 2017. No construction would begin before the Super Bowl, county officials have said.

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The county voted in April to spend $65,000 on a "feasibility study" to test out the light show, which Emmett said does work. The technological feat would have used "projection mapping" to cast images of Houston culture onto the ceiling and through the hundreds of windows.

"It's my hope that once the floor is raised, that could become more of a feature that would be added in there," he said.